Who holds your feet to the fire?

Posted on by Coach Rob J

IMG_5120.JPGNo man or woman is an island and no goal worth accomplishing will happen without the help of others.

If you are seeking a change or to develop a new habit, it would be extremely advantageous to find an Accountability Partner (AP).  We can accomplish difficult tasks and make huge leaps toward our goals using our personal fortitude and will power, but if you want to go the distance and do great things, then you must enlist the help of someone that will hold your feet to the fire!

Don’t make the mistake of over thinking the qualifications of your Accountability Partner.   IMG_6616The only real qualification needed is that your new partner will have your best interest at heart and that they’ll be brutally honest with you. Another thing to keep in mind — the accountability process / partnership will work best if you’re open and honest about what you are working on or need to work on.  Give your AP as much detail as possible and make yourself as vulnerable as you feel comfortable.  Your AP should be a “safe place” but a place where you will be challenged and stretched to move out of your comfort zone.

If you need some statistics to convince you that an AP is the way to go, The American Society of Training and Development (ASTD) did a study on accountability and found the following statistics:

The probability of completing a goal if:

  • You have an idea or a goal:  10%
  • You consciously decide you will do it:  25%
  • You decide when you will do it:  40%
  • You plan how  you will do it:  50%
  • You commit to someone you will do it:  65%
  • You have a specific accountability appointment with a person you’ve committed to:  95%

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Remember, an accountability partner will be honest with you, won’t listen to your excuses, will give you honest feedback, will give you a motivational push when you need it, and will hold your feet to the fire when you want to give up!  So if it is in business, fitness, or just doing life better that you are now, seek someone that will hold you accountable and help you attack your goals.  BAM!!!